Shootist

Shootist
Shootist
Production information
Manufacturer Mitchell Vehicles[1]
Production Year 2621
Model ST-8A[1]
Class Heavy
Cost 6,555,229 C-bills
Technical specifications
'Mech type Inner Sphere BattleMech
Mass 70 tons
Chassis Dennenbach-Mitchell Mark IV
Armor MV Ferro-Fibrous with CASE
Engine VOX 280
Communications System Domman Echo II
Targeting Tracking System Wayne Marksman
Heat Sinks 13 double
Speed 64 km/h
Armament
BV (1.0) 1,277[2][3]
BV (2.0) 1,507[1][4]


Description[edit]

The Shootist first saw service in 2621 as a heavily armored, electronic warfare-capable command 'Mech for SLDF Royal BattleMech Regiments. However, the Shootist's upgraded electronic suites proved no match for the cutting edge of electronic warfare of its own time. When the BattleMaster eclipsed the Shootist in its intended role as a command vehicle merely ten years after its introduction, the SLDF changed the Shootist's mission parameters. The Shootist's balanced mix of weapons and speed along with its heavy armor allowed it a new role: juggernaut for close-combat heavy lances. Later it found further use as a bodyguard unit for command lances. However, this role did not prove favorable to the longevity of the Shootist. Since the Succession Wars, this BattleMech is rarely seen outside of the Com Guards, Word of Blake Militia, and ancient Clan Brian Caches.[5][6][2]

Weapons and Equipment[edit]

The Shootist has a top speed of 64.8 km/h, giving it an average level of mobility for a heavy 'Mech. The 'Mech has thirteen double heat sinks that allow the Shootist to dissipate the waste heat that is produced by its heavy weapons payload. The Shootist carries twelve tons of MV ferro-fibrous armor with CASE to protect the 'Mech in the event of an ammunition explosion.[2]

The Shootist is armed to engage an enemy at various ranges. The only long-range weapon on the 'Mech is a Blankenburg ER Large Laser that has an effective range of five hundred and seventy meters. For medium to close range combat, the Shootist carries a devastating Deathgiver Autocannon/20 which is capable of downing most light and even some medium 'Mechs in a single salvo. Finally, for point-blank defense, the 'Mech has two Blankenburg Medium Pulse Lasers and a Dinatech Mark III Small Laser.[2]

Variants[edit]

  • ST-8C 
    This new variant removes the Small Laser and upgrades the mediums to a pair of ER Medium Lasers. The weight savings enables the inclusion of a C3i Computer.[1] BV (1.0) = 1,283;[7] BV (2.0) = 1,528[8]
  • ST-9C 
    The 9C further modifies the 8C by removing the autocannon and a heat sink to make room for a Gauss rifle, turning the Shootist into a support 'Mech.[1] BV (1.0) = 1,535;[9] BV (2.0) = 1,727[10]

Design Quirks[edit]

The Shootist has the following Design Quirk:[11]

Notable Pilots[edit]

Gallery[edit]

Notes[edit]

References[edit]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Technical Readout: Succession Wars, pp. 136–137: "ST-8A Shootist"
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade, pp. 218–219: "Shootist Profile"
  3. Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades, p. 288
  4. Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 250
  5. The Black Thorns, pp. 60–61
  6. Technical Readout: 3058, p. 126
  7. Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades, p. 289
  8. Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 251
  9. Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades, p. 290
  10. Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 252
  11. BattleMech Manual, p. 94: BattleMech Quirk Table - Shootist Entry

Bibliography[edit]